The Orchard Foundation has been selected as a partner in
100Kin10, a national network coordinating and accelerating efforts to bring 100,000 new science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teachers into schools by 2021.

Orchard was one of 49 new partner organizations accepted into 100Kin10 in February 2016. Orchard joins over 280 of the country's top businesses, nonprofits, foundations and academic institutions working toward this common goal.

The Orchard Foundation is a local education fund established by The Rapides Foundation to work with school districts, businesses and communities to improve educational opportunities in Central Louisiana.

Activities mobilize students to raise awareness about the problems of tobacco use.

Students from throughout Central Louisiana held activities to recognize Kick Butts Day, a nationally recognized day that empowers young people to stand out, speak up and take control against Big Tobacco.

These student-led, high impact events are held with Healthy Behaviors School Partnership Grant funding provided under The Rapides Foundation's Healthy Behaviors Initiative, and provide Cenla students the opportunity to join the national day of activism presented by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

In observance of Colon Cancer Awareness Month in March, the Foundation is urging Central Louisiana residents to talk to their doctors about colon cancer screenings.

The Rapides Foundation's Healthcare Access Initiative includes a Cancer Screening Project, which recognizes the vital importance of early screening for certain types of cancer. The Cancer Screening Project, administered by CMAP, provides residents who meet income and insurance eligibility guidelines with free take-home colon cancer screenings.